By: Noor Eszereen Juferi
SERDANG, 4 March– 1,019 dogs were brought together through the Dogathon 2018 programme to raise fund for Projek Pengkasian Haiwan Terbiar (PRO-KASIH), a project to neuter stray animals, organised by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM, Prof. Dr. Mohd Hair Bejo said the programme was initiated in 1997 as a platform to instil awareness among the public about stray animals.
“This programme is to raise awareness among the local community with regard to pet care and stray animal welfare,” he said.
He said Dogathon 2018 is a platform to discuss effective measures in overcoming the problem of stray animals.
“Dogathon is able to disseminate information about pets to the public such as owners’ responsibilities, pet health care, methods used in taking care of the welfare of stray animals as well as information on career as a veterinarian,” he said.
Dogathon 2018 with the theme “Dogs Around the World” appointed a DJ from One FM, William San, as its ambassador. Also present were UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dato’ Dr. Aini Ideris and Deputy Dean of Academic and Student Affairs of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM, Prof. Dr. Siti Suri Arshad.
Among the breeds gathered at the event were German Shepherds, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Malamute, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Corgi, Pitbull, Chow Chow, Shih Zhu, Labrador, Boxer, Pomeranian, Bull Terriers, Terriers and Schnauzer.
The Programme Director, Nur Fadhilah Abd Shukor said the programme exposed the students of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to the preparations before venturing into the profession in the field of veterinary medicine.
“The students are given the opportunity to manage and organise a community-based charity programme. It also introduces the services offered by University Veterinary Hospital (UVH) UPM,” she added.
A third year student from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Programme, UPM, Khalil Muhsin Kamal Azhar said the programme allowed him to learn the techniques in handling beloved pets and change the stigma towards dogs among the Muslim community.
“This programme provides me with hands-on training to help me cope with my future duties. I also have the chance to interact with visitors about their beloved pets,“ he said.
His friend, Chang Sze Yin, said the programme gave her the opportunity to learn new knowledge in the veterinary field, as well as in executing her responsibility as a committee member of the publicity unit of the programme.
“As a future doctor of veterinary medicine, I need to know the right way to communicate with the public in delivering accurate information. I also learn about dogs’ behaviours and problems,” she said. - UPM
